Dogs are quite sensitive when it comes to loud noises. In fact, it will not be a gross overstatement to say that dogs do not like or even are afraid of loud sounds. When subjected to any loud noise, dogs get restless and bark or howl at the top of their voice. Not an ideal scenario is it?
Even in general some dogs just bark more than other dogs. Imagine trying to take an important work call while your pet buddy raises hell from inside the dog kennel. And the thing is, it is not a matter of a day or two, a noisy dog will always make noise and while you can train a dog’s habits, you cannot possibly train it to stop barking.
The swiftest way to avoid this situation is to get a soundproof dog crate. This will not only be an effective solution to reduce noise levels inside your home but also keep your fur buddy safe from loud noises such as tire screeches, firecrackers, thunder sounds, or any other sound.
5 Ways to Soundproof Dog Crate or Cage and Kennel
The methods of transforming your regular dog cage or kennel into a soundproof dog cage are quite simple. While you cannot completely block noise coming from the crate, you can dampen it down a bit.
The reason why complete sound blocking is not possible is because the mouth of the kennel or crate has to be left open.
Here is a list of effective methods that will help you get a bark proof dog crate:-
Soundproof dog crate covers
This is as simple as it sounds. It is a cover that you put on the dog crate in order to reduce noise coming from within as well as to dampen loud sounds that may startle your dog. The trick is in the material with which this material is made as it cancels noise and is thus quite thick.
A natural course of thought might make you wonder, what if you simply covered the kennel with any regular soundproof cloth instead of getting a dedicated cover made solely for a dog crate?
The answer is, that you should not. Acoustic covers are made with heavy-duty material and have no pores on their surface. In other words, if you cover the kennel with such a cloth, it will get hot and stuffy inside the kennel. Your dog might even fall sick if the weather is on the warmer side.
Therefore, always use a dedicated sound proof dog crate cover to lessen the noise in a manner that is comfortable for your dog. While you buy a crate cover, be sure to check if the material is breathable and whether or not it can be washed with a machine.
Acoustic foam panels
For dogs that get easily anxious and bark as a result, acoustic foam paneling can prove to be an effective way to keep them calm and quiet. It can be a heartbreaking sight to watch your dog writhe in restlessness because of some exterior noise that you cannot control. Anxiety in dogs is treatable but for a more immediate solution, acoustic foam paneling is a good choice.
The material is a bit pricey but since you are buying it for a dog cage, you will only need about a medium-sized wall’s worth of acoustic foam.
For getting the best soundproofing result, cover the exterior as well as the interior of the kennel with the material. If you have a cage, then covering only one side will do.
The installation process is simple and can be done as a DIY project. Measure the inside and outside of the kennel as well as the top and the bottom. Acoustic foams usually are sold in cut squares that are 1 to 2 feet in dimension. You have to cut the foam according to the measurements of the dog kennel and attach it.
Do not try to puncture the panels or apply glue to them while attaching them as it will damage the surface and with it, its noise-canceling properties. Use binder clips instead to hold the foam panels in place. This way, you will be able to remove and reuse it for a long time.
Moving Blankets
If you are on a budget but want to help your furry friend to have a safe space without loud noises then this is the ideal option for you. Moving blankets are multilayered in their design, as the interior is made of thin padding and the outside is soft. The material allows enough airflow so as to not block breathability.
It is very good at reducing and absorbing sounds that enter and leave the puppy crate. Rescued dogs that have undergone abuse are often medically advised to be kept under the covers of a moving blanket, especially at night to help them have a good night’s rest without any startling noise or strong light on their eyes.
These dogs are more vigilant than others and can react to the slightest of sounds and that is why they need to be protected using soundproof blankets.
All you have to do is wrap the kennel using the blanket and tuck the edges under the kennel, leaving a gap in the front for airflow inside the space.
Moving blankets along with a padded dog kennel can be really effective in absorbing sound as well keeping the crate warm in winter months and is one of the cheapest and most hassle free ways of converting a regular dog crate into a sound dampening dog crate.
Don’t miss:
Can My Neighbors Hear My Dog Barking
How to Soundproof Drop Ceiling
How to Soundproof Hardwood Floors
How to soundproof backyard
Sound absorption sheets
These are a little different from moving blankets in structure and usage but serve a similar function of reducing and absorbing sounds. These are good when it comes to stopping sounds with middle to high range frequencies.
Most absorption sheets are made from cotton and polyester while costlier ones are made of a high density acoustic material dedicated to the purpose of soundproofing. You can use the absorption sheets by either attaching them to the walls of the kennel or if you have a cage or crate then you can just throw the sheet over it.
The sheets create a dark and quiet atmosphere inside the cage that is ideal for naps and bedtime.
Dog kennels are usually not very big and have a hard reflective surface on three sides. The amount of echo and reverberation that is created by a barking dog inside a kennel can be overwhelming. Sound absorption sheets thus are a good way to limit these echoes and soften the barking sound of your dog.
Sound Masking
The technique of sound masking cannot be called soundproofing, but if the goal is to ensure a safe space for your pet then it is a good solution.
The hearing range of dogs differs greatly from humans both in the high and low frequencies. They can hear higher frequency sounds than humans and can perceive sounds that are emitted at a high pitch and low volume. These sounds aren’t perceivable to humans. This is where sound masking comes in.
Essentially, what you will have to do is play a sort of continuous white noise for your dog to focus on. The white noise should be able to drown out the loud noises that bother your dog. This is why sound masking is more effective when performed in a dog kennel or crate. This way the incoming sound will already be less loud and your dog can be occupied with the artificial white noise.
This counterintuitive measure is often used for training dogs that have a problem with anxiety. The best part about this is that the played sound will not be perceived by your ears as it will be beyond your audible range but it will have a calming effect on your dog.
Any animal therapist can give you professional guidance to perform sound masking inside your home as it is necessary to get the frequency of the white noise precisely correct.
Don’t miss:
How to soundproof an above-door air vent
How to Reduce Echo in a Room Cheaply
How to Soundproof a Shed
How to Soundproof a Brick Wall
Wrapping up
Those who have to leave their dogs at home for work purposes for extended periods of time probably feel the need for a soundproof kennel for dogs, more than those who stay at home most of the time.
Through crate training, your dog will know to seek refuge inside the kennel or cage whenever they feel scared or restless.
Training puppies is relatively easier as compared to grown dogs that are already used to their habits. Nevertheless, crate training is an important step for every pet dog and if your dog keeps barking then it can make the whole process messy.
Firstly, you should go to a vet to get a diagnosis on why your dog keeps barking unnecessarily. The underlying causes may be anxiety or any physical distress as well. After addressing those causes, you will have to provide a safe and soundproof kennel for your furry friend for them to feel safe inside.
Those who live in apartments especially need a soundproof crate so that their dog’s barking doesn’t disturb the neighbors. If these don’t work then you might have to start looking into soundproofing your whole room to block all noise from going outside and coming inside.